In the contemporary landscape of banking, the integration of technology and finance is fundamental to operations and strategy. Financial institutions are actively utilizing digital assets and cutting-edge solutions to maintain a competitive edge. This convergence of technology and finance is particularly evident in the career paths of industry leaders who effectively connect and navigate between these two critical sectors.
From Rural Beginnings to Technological Aspirations
Evy Theunis, currently the Managing Director and Head of Digital Assets, Strategy and Solutions, and Business Enablement at DBS Bank’s Institutional Banking Group, has called Singapore home for nearly eleven years. Her journey began in the quaint Belgian town of Kersbeek, with a population of about 575 people. Growing up on a farm, Evy developed an early affinity for mathematics and technology. At 16, her curiosity led her to explore her younger brother’s PlayStation, sparking an interest in understanding the mechanics behind computer games. This passion drove her to self-learn C++ programming, laying the foundation for her future endeavors.
Contrary to common perceptions of farm life being detached from modern advancements, Evy’s experience was quite the opposite. Her family owned a computer, which she frequently tinkered with, despite limited internet access. Observing her father utilize technology to manage farm operations further fueled her interest in tech. This inclination led her to pursue Computer Science at the University of Leuven, where she was one of only three women in a class of seventy-one.
A Serendipitous Entry into Banking
Upon graduating, Evy was not initially drawn to banking. However, during an interview with Accenture in Brussels, she learned about the abundant opportunities within the banking sector. To enhance her chances, she expressed interest in their banking practice, securing the position. This role opened her eyes to the profound impact banks have on businesses and individuals alike.
Her career soon took an international turn. In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, Evy relocated to Amsterdam, undertaking various global assignments that eventually led her to London. It was here that her husband proposed the idea of moving to Singapore—a place neither had visited but had heard favorable things about. Initially hesitant, Evy was not keen on the adventure, especially after recently settling near Brussels. However, the prospect of Singapore lingered in her thoughts.
Embracing Singapore
A pivotal work trip to Singapore changed Evy’s perspective. The city’s dynamic blend of cultures, rapid technological advancements, and its position as a financial hub resonated with her aspirations. The decision to relocate proved to be transformative. In Singapore, Evy found a platform to merge her technological expertise with banking, leading innovative projects in digital assets and strategy at DBS Bank.
Reflecting on her journey, Evy attributes her success to a combination of seizing opportunities and embracing change. Her story underscores the importance of adaptability and the willingness to venture beyond one’s comfort zone. From the serene fields of Kersbeek to the bustling streets of Singapore, Evy’s path illustrates how diverse experiences can converge to shape a remarkable career in the modern financial landscape.
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